What to look for in a steer?

[fordkindagirl]

This is going to be my first year showing a steer for FFA and I am REALLY nervous. I get my calf May 20th and can choose it myself, but what do I look for? This is a market steer.
What I have heard is you want straight legs, medium frame, and a calm disposition, any help? Like I said REALLY nervous.

 

[JSchroeder]

At the risk of being self promotional, this is what we made these videos for...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6S216NdqrY

 

[JSchroeder]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceboF7_y0v8

 

[JSchroeder]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGmYelWpQ30

 

[farmboy]

For your first calf, a tame one.

 

[The Show]

I used to not be able to judge a steer to save my life, but I could pick out heifers all day long. I got pretty serious about livestock judging and knew I had to learn steers. If your at a weekend show watch the steer class's and listen to the judges reasons. I get the Showbox magazine monthly and I would always study the results and see what the grand champions looked like. Also the videos above are pretty good. 

 

[Jill]

Thanks for putting those up Jeff, those are a really good set of videos and a nice set of calves, great advice.  
One thing I would add on the soundness side, the first thing we will do when looking at a calf is watch them walk from behind, I want them to fill their track, the back hoof should set down where the front hoof picks up.

 

[FutureBreeder2013]

For your first calf, a tame one.

This year is my first year showing also.

I'm glad I got a calm one to have an enjoyable learning experience.

 

[Ms Ray]

if you can get one that is already halter broke it will help out a lot.

 

[forbes family farms]

Really great videos for a steer calf i look for depth of the body soundness muscling not to good on steers but i could pick a perfect heifer in a heartbeat

 

[Bulldaddy]

Jeff's videos are a great start.  Now find a mentor--ag teacher, county agent--someone who knows how to evaluate steers and have them go with you when you select your calf.  You won't be quite so nervous and you will learn a lot.

 

[segersmom]

Jeff's videos are a great start.  Now find a mentor--ag teacher, county agent--someone who knows how to evaluate steers and have them go with you when you select your calf.  You won't be quite so nervous and you will learn a lot.

Bulldaddy is sooooo right.  If you can, find someone who really knows cattle to help you.  We have a farmer and his friend helping us.  The farmer's friend is a showman and a cattle vet, so I know we're in good hands.

 

[fordkindagirl]

Thanks for all the replies! The videos were very helpful!


Also I had someone who knows steers pretty well that was going to help me but he ended up having to go out of town for a lecture he has to give (works for USDA)- didn't quite help my nerves.